Chapter 6: Hardware Access

Traditional hardware models that rely on one-time purchases struggle to scale rapidly among retail users and small-to-medium-sized institutions. A prime example is WorldCoin, the earliest large-scale biometric identity project. Its Orb device carries a high unit cost and requires dedicated maintenance, leading to elevated registration expenses and limiting its ability to achieve mass adoption.

To overcome these barriers, Matrix has designed an innovative “Stake-to-Own Hardware” incentive mechanism. Users are not required to purchase biometric wallets upfront. Instead, by staking a specified amount of MAN tokens on the Matrix mainnet and locking them for a predefined period, users can receive a biometric hardware wallet in accordance with protocol rules.

This mechanism serves three core functions:

1. Lowering the Entry Barrier – Users gain access to high-security hardware without upfront cash expenditure.

2. Increasing Token Lock-up – This enhances the overall economic stability of the Matrix ecosystem.

3. Filtering for Real Users – It reduces malicious registrations and market abuse by requiring economic commitment.

For example, the protocol stipulates that users can receive one Basic Edition Matrix finger vein biometric wallet by staking 50,000 MAN tokens and locking them for 90 days.

This model offers a dual benefit: when the lock-up period ends and the user chooses to withdraw their stake, the device is automatically deactivated and can be reclaimed and redistributed by the protocol. This forms a closed-loop circulation between devices and tokens. During the staking period, although users cannot use their staked MAN, they are rewarded for contributing to network security and identity assurance through benefits such as transaction fee discounts and dedicated support.

From an ecosystem perspective, these staked tokens act as a long-term “trust deposit,” helping to stabilize the MAN token price and reduce external sell pressure.

For users with higher needs, the model offers tiered staking options with varying returns:

• Professional Edition: Stake 150,000 MAN for 180 days

• Premium Edition: Stake 500,000 MAN for 365 days

This tiered structure enables Matrix to serve a wide range of use cases—from individual users to large VASPs (Virtual Asset Service Providers) and financial institutions. Each staking tier provides different levels of benefits and device functionality, ensuring targeted value for each user segment.

This model is not without precedent. The DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) project Filecoin, for example, requires storage providers to stake FIL tokens as collateral to secure on-chain storage and data redundancy. This model has successfully locked up over $100 million worth of FIL tokens.

Matrix is now pioneering the application of this staking model to hardware distribution, bridging on-chain token economics with the circulation of physical biometric devices.

In summary, Matrix’s “Stake MAN to Access Hardware” mechanism effectively addresses both hardware cost recovery and token economy optimization. It ensures the scalable rollout of finger vein biometric wallets while establishing a sustainable foundation of trust, security, and value for stablecoin KYC compliance and on-chain transactions.